hand

¹hand

noun, often attributive \ˈhand\

Definition of HAND

1

a (1) : the terminal part of the vertebrate forelimb when modified (as in humans) as a grasping organ (2) : the forelimb segment (as the terminal section of a bird's wing) of a vertebrate higher than the fishes that corresponds to the hand irrespective of its form or functional specialization

b : a part serving the function of or resembling a hand: as (1) : the hind foot of an ape (2) : the chela of a crustacean

c : something resembling a hand: as (1) : an indicator or pointer on a dialect <the hands of a clock> (2) : index 5 (3) : a cluster of bananas developed from a single flower group (4) : a branched rootstock of ginger (5) : a bunch of large leaves (as of tobacco) tied together usually with another leaf

2

a : personal possession —usually used in plural <the documents fell into the hands of the enemy>

b : control, supervision —usually used in plural <left the matter in her hands>

3

a : side, direction <men fighting on either hand>

b : one of two sides or aspects of an issue or argument <on the one hand we can appeal for peace, and on the other, declare war>

4

: a pledge especially of betrothal or bestowal in marriage

5

a : style of penmanship : handwriting <wrote in a fancy hand>

b : signature

6

a : skill, ability <tried her hand at sailing>

b : an instrumental part <had a hand in the victory>

7

: a unit of measure equal to 4 inches (10.2 centimeters) used especially for the height of horses

8

a : assistance or aid especially involving physical effort <lend a hand>

b : participation, interest <had no hand in the decision>

c : a round of applause

9

a (1) : a player in a card game or board game (2) : the cards or pieces held by a player

b : a single round in a game

c : the force or solidity of one's position (as in negotiations) <trying to strengthen their hand>

10

a : a person who performs or executes a particular work <two portraits by the same hand>

b (1) : a person employed at manual labor or general tasks <a ranch hand> (2) : worker, employee <employed over a hundred hands>

c : a member of a ship's crew <all hands on deck>

d : a person skilled in a particular action or pursuit

e : a specialist or veteran in a usually designated activity or region <a China hand>

11

a : handiwork, doings

b : style of execution : workmanship <the hand of a master>

c : the feel of or tactile reaction to something (as silk or leather)

12

: a punch made with a specified hand <knocked him out with a good right hand>

— at hand

1

: near in time or place : within reach <use whatever ingredients are at hand>

2

: currently receiving or deserving attention <the business at hand>

— at the hands of also at the hand of

: by or through the action of

— by hand

1

: with the hands or a hand-worked implement (as a tool or pen) rather than with a machine

2

: from one individual directly to another <deliver the document by hand>

— in hand

1

: in one's possession or control <had matters well in hand> <with money in hand>

2

: in preparation

3

: under consideration

— on all hands or on every hand

: everywhere

— on hand

1

: in present possession or readily available <kept supplies on hand>

2

: about to appear : pending

3

: in attendance : present

— on one's hands

: in one's possession or care <too much time on my hands>

— out of hand

1

: without delay or deliberation; also : in a summary or peremptory manner <rejected the plan out of hand>

2

: done with : finished

3

: out of control

4

: with the hands <fruit eaten out of hand>

— to hand

1

: into possession <the letter … has come to hand — George Washington>

2

: within reach

Examples of HAND

1. These gloves will keep your hands warm.
2. She put her hands over her eyes.
3. He sat quietly with his hands folded in his lap.
4. Do you need a hand?

Origin of HAND

Middle English, from Old English; akin to Old High German hant hand

First Known Use: before 12th century

Related to HAND

Synonyms

angle, facet, aspect, phase, side

Antonyms

employer, gaffer [British]

Related Words

air, appearance, character, color, complexion, condition, face, look, semblance, shape, state, visage; period, stage, step; outlook, perspective, position, posture, shoes, slant, stance, standpoint, view, viewpoint; interpretation, reading, rendering, translation, version; article, case, component, count, detail, dimension, element, factor, instance, item, matter, part, particular, point, regard, respect

Near Antonyms

center, inside, interior, middle, midway

Other Anatomy Terms

bilateral symmetry, carotid, cartilage, dorsal, entrails, prehensile, renal, solar plexus, supine, thoracic, ventral

Rhymes with HAND

band, bland, brand, canned, gland, grand, land, manned, NAND, rand, sand, Sand, stand, strand

²hand

adverb

Definition of HAND

: with the hands rather than by machine

First Known Use of HAND

before 12th century

³hand

transitive verb

Definition of HAND

1

a obsolete : to touch or manage with the hands; also : to deal with

b : furl

2

: to lead, guide, or assist with the hand <hand a lady into a bus>

3

a : to give, pass, or transmit with the hand <hand a letter to her>

b : to present or provide with <handed him a surprise>

— hand it to

: to give credit to : concede the excellence of

Examples of HAND

1. <was happy to hand her grandmother's cookie recipes to the parish ladies to put in their cookbook>
2. <the clerk handed her the receipt>

First Known Use of HAND

15th century

Related to HAND

Synonyms

deliver, feed, give, furnish, hand over, provide, supply

Antonyms

hold (back), keep (back), reserve, retain, withhold

Related Words

ply (with); administer, allocate, apportion, deal (out), dispense, distribute, dole out, mete (out), parcel (out), portion, prorate; assign, cede, deed, make over, transfer

Near Antonyms

conserve, keep up, maintain, preserve, save

Hand

biographical name \ˈhand\

Definition of HAND

(Billings) Learned 1872–1961 Am. jurist

hand

noun , often attrib \ˈhand\   (Medical Dictionary)

Medical Definition of HAND

1

a (1) : the terminal part of the vertebrate forelimb when modified (as in humans) as a grasping organ (2) : the forelimb segment (as the terminal section of a bird's wing) of a vertebrate higher than the fishes that corresponds to the hand irrespective of its form or functional specialization b : a part serving the function of or resembling a hand; especially : the hind foot of an ape c : something resembling a hand; especially : an indicator or pointer on a dial

2

: a unit of measure equal to 4 inches or 10.2 centimeters used especially for the height of horses

Illustration of HAND

hand

noun    (Concise Encyclopedia)

End part of the arm, consisting of the wrist joint, palm, thumb, and fingers. The hand has great mobility and flexibility to carry out precise movements. Bipedal locomotion in humans frees the hands for grasping and manipulation. The opposable thumb allows them to pick up small items and grip objects from both sides. Dexterity in the hands and increased brain size are believed to have evolved together in humans.